An Exploration of the Effects of Mentor-Apprentice Programs on Mentors' and Apprentices' Wellbeing

Abstract

Increasingly, adult Indigenous language learners are being identified as the “missing generation” of learners who hold great potential to contribute to the revival of Indigenous languages by acting as the middle ground between Elders, children, and youth within their communities. Our research project NEȾOLṈEW̱ “one mind, one people” studied adult Indigenous language learning through the popular Mentor-Apprentice Program method. Over a 2-year period, our team conducted interviews and focus groups with participants involved in a Mentor-Apprentice type program in British Columbia, Canada. While our primary interest was to document the successes and challenges of the Mentor-Apprentice Program method for adult Indigenous language learning, we also included interview questions that gave participants an opportunity to share how participating in such a program affected them. During data analysis, we noticed repeating comments from participants about how their involvement with a Mentor-Apprentice Program impacted their own and their community’s wellbeing; 6 exploratory themes were identified. Although studies have reported protective effects of Indigenous language use on health, health-related outcomes of language revitalization efforts remain underexplored. In addition to discussing the exploratory themes that arose from the study, our paper also proposes that these themes can inform future research in investigating the links between language revitalization and wellbeing.

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The following background and meaning was provided by the Jensen Group, an Indigenous company in Canada that designed the Journal logo: the circle represents earth in its totality with the five figures representing the five continents. The figures are joined together in unity, friendship and co-operation looking outward to show forward thinking, vision and openness. The colour green represents newness, growth, action, going forward, as well as ecological concern and mindfulness of the healing nature of plants. Within the centre space is a turtle which holds a place of esteem in cultures the world over, and generally symbolizes good health and longevity.

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